Willmar in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Robbins Island

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, August 27, 2014

1. Robbins Island Marker

Inscription. Robbins Island was formed about 25,000 years ago during the Wisconsin glaciation period. Early people used it as a refuge from prairie fires and their enemies. Artifacts, including a copper projectile point about 3 thousand years old, have been found here.

Swan Swanson and family took refuge here from the Dakota (or Sioux) Indians during the Uprising on August 21, 1862.

Before becoming part of the Willmar park system in 1934 the island was owned by J.S. Robbins, pioneer business family of Willmar, from who it received its name.

This Marker was Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Willmar and Erected in 1981

Erected 1981 by the Rotary Club of Willmar; the Kandiyohi County Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 45° 7.859′ N, 95° 2.079′ W. Marker is in Willmar, Minnesota, in Kandiyohi County. It can be reached from Business U.S. 71 near 10th Street Northeast, on the left when traveling north. Marker is in Robbins Island Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Willmar MN 56201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Minnesota

and specifically in Southwest Minnesota. It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Engine 2523 (approx. ¼ mile away); District #18 Schoolhouse (approx. 0.3 miles away); Judge Qvale Cabin (approx. 0.3 miles away); The History of Kaffe Fest (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sperry House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Veterans War Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Veteran's Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); C.C.C. Worker (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willmar.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Great Northern Railway Engine No. 2523 (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. The marker has the Historic Site seal of the Kandiyohi County Historical Society · 1895.

Regarding Robbins Island. Around 1900, Robbins Island, a peninsula between Foot Lake and Willmar Lake, was the site of an "isolation house" for those with contagious diseases.

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, August 27, 2014

2. Robbins Island Marker

west side of marker with duplicate text

Photographed by K. Linzmeier, August 27, 2014

3. Robbins Island Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 960 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 4, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.